Grinding apparatus having pressing portion

ABSTRACT

The grinding apparatus ( 10 ) includes a base ( 100 ) for receiving at least one workpiece, a pressing portion ( 106 ), and a blocking portion ( 102 ) opposite to the pressing portion. The pressing portion is movable relative to the blocking portion. The pressing portion is configured for applying a pressing force against the workpiece, so as to hold the workpiece between the pressing portion and the blocking portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a grinding apparatus for shaping a surface of a workpiece and, in particular, relates to a grinding apparatus having a pressing portion.

BACKGROUND

A roll grinder is generally utilized to round and/or polish a surface of a workpiece. A conventional roll grinder includes a pair of hollows. In a grinding process, the hollows are pumped/evacuated so as to create suction and are thereby used to hold a workpiece being treated. The workpiece, thus held, is then ground using a grinding wheel. However, this kind of the roll grinder is not very efficient, as the roll grinder can only shape one workpiece at a time.

There are a number of grinding methods for grinding a number of workpieces at one time. In a related grinding method the workpieces are placed on a grinding bed and then coated with a UV emulsion. The workpieces are then exposed to a UV light to cure the UV emulsion in such a manner that the workpieces become attached to the grinding bed. The workpieces are then ground, and the UV emulsion is then melted to displace/detach the workpieces from the grinding bed. However, this grinding method has drawbacks. For example, retention of the UV emulsion on the workpieces may cause contamination. Furthermore, the steps of curing and melting the UV emulsion will take time and increase production costs.

What is needed, therefore is to provide a grinding apparatus that avoids potential shortcomings associated with the UV emulsion and that is generally quicker and cheaper than the known mounting methods associated with roller grinders.

SUMMARY

A grinding apparatus provided herein generally includes: a base for receiving at least one workpiece, a pressing portion, and a blocking portion opposite to each other, the pressing portion being movable relative to the blocking portion, the pressing portion being configured for applying a pressing force against each workpiece, so as to hold the at least one workpiece between the pressing portion and the blocking portion.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present method will become more apparent from the following detailed description and claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present grinding apparatus can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present grinding apparatus. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic, exploded perspective view of a grinding apparatus, in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, assembled perspective view of the grinding apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is schematic, perspective view of another base which can be used to replace a base of the grinding apparatus, shown in FIG. 1, during the grinding process;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, exploded perspective view of a grinding apparatus, in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, assembled perspective view of a grinding apparatus, in accordance with a third embodiment, the grinding apparatus having a mounting block, a pressing portion, and a positioning portion mounted thereon;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, exploded perspective view of the grinding apparatus, as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, perspective view of a mounting block, a pressing portion, and a positioning portion in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of a grinding apparatus, in accordance with a fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic, exploded perspective view of the grinding apparatus, as shown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a grinding apparatus 10 includes a base 100 for receiving at least one workpiece, a pressing portion 106 and a blocking portion 102 opposite to each other. The pressing portion 106 is movable relative to the blocking portion 102. The pressing portion 106 is configured for applying a pressing force against the workpieces, so as to hold the workpieces between the pressing portion 106 and a respective blocking portion 102.

Referring to FIG. 1, the base 100 includes a groove 1002 configured (i.e., structured and arranged) for receiving the at least one workpiece. The workpiece to be treated could be, for example, a square wafer. The groove 1002 advantageously has a shape corresponding to a shape of the workpiece or at least a portion thereof; or at least has a shape that reduces the potential degrees of freedom of the workpiece. For example, the groove 1002 may be V-shaped, as it could hold, e.g., an object having at least one corner corresponding to that V-shape or a rod-shaped object.

The blocking portion 102 is secured to one end 1001 of the base 100, usefully, by screws 1022 or another type of threaded fastener. Accordingly, the blocking portion 102 includes through holes 1026 defined therein. The base 100 includes screw holes 1006 defined in the end 1001, corresponding to the through holes 1026 of the blocking portion 102. The blocking portion 102 is arranged at one end of the groove 1002 and blocks an opening 1004 of the groove 1002. As such, the blocking portion 102 is configured for supporting the workpieces during the grinding process. Thus, the workpieces are prevented from becoming separated from the base 100, via the opening 1004 of the groove 1002, due to the blocking portion 102.

The grinding apparatus 10 further includes a mounting block 104, which is configured for carrying the pressing portion 106. That is, the pressing portion 106 is mounted/attached to the mounting block 104. The mounting block 104 is, in turn, attached to the base 100 at an end thereof opposite to which the blocking portion 102 is connected. The mounting block 104 includes a through hole 1041 configured for receiving the pressing portion 106. A position of the through hole 1041 should be determined according to circumstances, for example, a height of the workpieces to be treated and/or a height of a bottom of the groove 1002. Generally, in order to maintain contact between the pressing portion 106 and a given workpiece received in the groove 1002, the through hole 1041 is arranged in a position with respect to the bottom of the groove 1002 such that, beneficially, the pressing portion will impact the cross-section of the workpiece, preferably at about the middle thereof or above in order to more stably hold the workpiece in place.

The mounting block 104 is secured to an opposite end 1003 of the base 100, advantageously, by screws 1022 or other threaded fasteners. Accordingly, the mounting block 104 includes through holes 1046 defined therein. The base 100 includes screw holes (not shown) defined in the end 1003, thereby corresponding to the through holes 1026 of the blocking portion 102. The blocking portion 102 and the mounting block 104 are arranged at opposite ends of the groove 1002 and respectively block an opening 1004, 1005 of the groove 1002. As such, the blocking portion 102 and the mounting block 104 are configured for supporting a corresponding adjacent end of a given workpiece during the grinding process.

The blocking portion 102 and the mounting block 104 include two protrusions 1024, 1044 on tops of the blocking portion 102 and the mounting block 104, respectively. The protrusions 1024, 1044 can be orthogonal to a surface 1006 of the base 100. The protrusions 1024, 1044 may have a shape in accordance with the predetermined shape of the workpieces. In the first embodiment, the protrusions 1024, 1044 have an arc-shape. Breadths of the protrusions 1024, 1044 are preferably equal to or smaller than a breadth of the workpieces, which is beneficial to permit grinding of every portion of the workpiece that is to be treated.

In the first embodiment, the pressing portion 106 is a fastener, for example, a screw. Alternatively, the pressing portion 106 can be a resilient member, such as, a spring.

Referring to FIG. 2, in assembly, the blocking portion 102 and the mounting block 104 are respectively mounted to the opposite ends 1001, 1003 of the base 100 by screws 1022. The pressing portion 106 is moveably mounted within the mounting block 104 via the through hole 1041, e.g., via cooperating threading. As a result, the pressing portion 106 can be selectably moved relative to the blocking portion 102.

In the grinding process, one or more workpieces are aligned in the groove 1002. The pressing portion 106 is moved relative to the blocking portion 102, and a pressing force is applied against each workpiece, so as to hold the at least one workpiece between the pressing portion 106 and the blocking portions 102. Therefore, use of a conventional UV emulsion is avoided. Thus, emulsion-related contamination of the workpieces is also avoided, and a time-consuming operation is shortened.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated another base 600 including a groove 6002 structured and arranged for receiving the at least one workpiece. Particularly, the groove 6002 has an arc-shape in its cross-sectional view. The groove 6002 can be used to receive one or more workpieces having corresponding arc surfaces. Otherwise, during a process for grinding square workpieces, after the workpieces have one surface ground to be arcuate, the workpieces can be reversed (i.e., rotated to have the newly-formed arcuate surface facing downward) and transferred to the groove 6002 of the base 600. Similarly, the workpieces can be held between the pressing portion 106 and the blocking portions 102 with their ground arc surface in contact with a bottom of the groove 6002.

Referring to FIG. 4, a grinding apparatus 20 is shown, in accordance with a second embodiment. Compared to the grinding apparatus 10 in the first embodiment, the grinding apparatus 20 includes a base 200 having two grooves 2002 defined therein for receiving multiple workpieces, two pressing portions 206, and a blocking portion 202. Similarly, the two pressing portions 206 are, respectively, configured for applying a pressing force against the workpieces received in the two grooves 2002, so as to hold the workpieces between the corresponding pressing portion 206 and the blocking portion 202. As a result, more workpieces can be ground at the same time, and a grinding efficiency is increased.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a grinding apparatus 30 is shown, in accordance with a third embodiment. The grinding apparatus 30 includes a base 300 configured for receiving the workpieces, two pressing portions 306, and a blocking portion 302. The base 300 includes two parallel grooves 3002 defined therein and configured for receiving a corresponding workpiece. The blocking portion 302 is secured to the base 300, e.g., by screws 3022. The blocking portion 302 includes two protrusions 3024 on a top of the blocking portion 302. The protrusions 3024 can, advantageously, be orthogonal to a surface 3006 of the base 300. In the third embodiment, the protrusions 3024 have arc-shape. Breadths of the protrusions 3024 are preferably smaller than a breadth of the workpieces.

The grinding apparatus 30 further includes two mounting blocks 304. The pressing portions 306 are mounted on/within the tops of the mounting blocks 304. Each of the mounting blocks 304 includes a positioning portion 3042 extending therefrom. The base 300 includes two receiving holes 3004 defined parallel to the grooves 3002. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving holes 3004 are through holes. The positioning portions 3042 are engaged in their corresponding receiving holes 3004 and have their ends mounted/or attached on the blocking portion 302, thus connecting the mounting blocks 304 to the blocking portion 302. Furthermore, each of the positioning portions 3042 has a resilient part 3046, for example, a spring. The resilient part 3046 is disposed on an end 3043 of the positioning portion 3042 and has its end mounted/or attached on the blocking portion 302.

Referring to FIG. 7, alternatively, the resilient parts 3046 could be disposed on the middle of the positioning portions 3042.

Additionally, the receiving holes 300 can be blind holes. The resilient parts 3046 could be mounted/or attached on sidewalls of the receiving holes 3004 respectively, thereby the positioning portions 3042 connecting the mounting blocks 304 to the base 300.

Consequently, in the grinding process, due to an extension of the resilient part 3046, the pressing portions 306 is moved relative to the blocking portion 302 and applies a pressing force against a respective workpiece, so as to hold the workpieces between the pressing portion 306 and the blocking portions 302.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a grinding apparatus 40 is shown, in accordance with a fourth embodiment. The grinding apparatus 40 includes a base 400 having a groove 4002 defined therein, a blocking portion 402, a mounting block 404, and a pressing portion 406. The mounting block 404 includes a positioning portion 4042 extending therefrom. The positioning portion 4042 can be, for example, a rod. The base 400 includes a first receiving hole 4004 defined therein. The positioning portion 4042 is engaged in the first receiving hole 4004. The first receiving hole 4004 is a through hole. Alternatively, the first receiving hole 4004 can be a blind hole.

In this embodiment, the base 400 includes a second receiving hole 4006, in communication with the first receiving hole 4004. A lengthwise direction of the second receiving hole is generally perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the first receiving hole 4004. A fastening screw 4008 is engaged in the second receiving hole 4004. The fastening screw 4008 is configured for fastening the positioning portion 4042. The mounting block 404 is thereby adjustably secured to the base 400.

In the grinding process, when the fastening screw 4008 is loosed, the positioning portion 4042 can be moved to a new position in a direction away from the base 400. The fastening screw 4008 will then fasten the positioning portion 4042 at the new position. Accordingly, a space between the mounting block 404 and the base 400 is varied. Likewise, a distance between the pressing portion 406 and the secured blocking portion 402 will be varied. In process, the positioning portion 4042 is adjustably moved so as to use the pressing portion 406 to apply a pressing force against the workpieces to be treated, the positioning portion 4042 then being fastened by the fastening screw 4008 to maintain the desired pressing force.

It is noted that the blocking portions 102, 202, 302, 402 may be integrated with the bases 100, 200, 300, 400, respectively. Further, the bases 100, 200, 300, 400 may have other shaped receptacles than the V-typed grooves 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002. For example, the receptacle can be a hole defined in the base, with only one opening toward an outside of the base. Accordingly, the pressing portion can apply a pressing force against the workpieces received in the receptacle, thereby holding the workpieces in between the pressing portion and an inner wall of the receptacle.

Finally, while the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Therefore, various modifications can be made to the embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A grinding apparatus comprising: a base including at least one groove, the groove being configuret for receiving at least one workpiece, a pressing portion mounted relative to a first end of the base, the pressing portion being arranged at one end of the at least one groove, and a blocking portion mounted to a second end of the base opposite the first end, the blocking portion facing the pressing portion, the pressing portion being movable relative to the blocking portion, the blocking portion being arranged at the other end of at least one groove, the pressing portion being configured for applying a pressing force against the at least one workpiece so as to hold the at least one workpiece between the pressing portion and the blocking portion. 2-3. (canceled)
 4. The grinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blocking portion is secured to the second end of the base by a screw.
 5. The grinding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting block configured for carrying the pressing portion, the mounting block being attached to the second end of the base.
 6. The grinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the mounting block includes a through hole, the pressing portion is moveably mounted to the mounting block via the through hole such that the pressing portion can be movable relative to the blocking portion.
 7. The grinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the mounting block is secured to the base by at least one screw.
 8. The grinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the base includes a first receiving hole defined therein, a positioning portion extends from the mounting block and is engaged in the first receiving hole.
 9. The grinding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the positioning portion connects the mounting block to the blocking portion.
 10. The grinding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the positioning portion has a resilient part, the resillient part is disposed on an end of the positioning portion, and further, the resillient part has an end attached to the blocking portion.
 11. The grinding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the positioning portion has a resilient part, the positioning portion connecting the mounting block to the base.
 12. The grinding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the base includes a second receiving hole in communication with the receiving hole, a fastening screw engaging in the second receiving hole, the fastening screw being configured for fastening the positioning portion in a manner such that the mounting block is adjustably secured to the base.
 13. The grinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the blocking portion and the mounting block includes a protrusion being orthogonal to a surface of the base.
 14. The grinding apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one protrusion has a half-moon shape.
 15. The grinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is a screw.
 16. The grinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is a resilient member.
 17. A grinding apparatus comprising: a base including a receptacle defined therein, the receptacle having an inner wall at an end of the receptacle, the receptacle being configured for receiving at least one workpiece therein; and a fastener including a pressing portion adjustably movable relative to the inner wall of the receptacle of the base, the pressing portion configured for applying a pressing force against the at least one workpiece, wherein the at least one workpiece is retainably held between the pressing portion and the inner wall of the receptacle.
 18. The grinding apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the base includes a first receiving hole defined therein, and a positioning portion extends from the fastener and is engaged in the first receiving hole.
 19. The grinding apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the positioning portion connects the fastener to the inner wall of the receptacle.
 20. The grinding apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the positioning.portion has a resilient part, the resilient part is disposed on an end of the positioning portion and has an end attached to the inner wall of the receptacle.
 21. The grinding apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the positioning portion comprises a resilient part and other two parts, the resilient part is disposed between other two parts of the positioning portion and has two ends attached to other two pans of the positioning portion respectively.
 22. The grinding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the positioning portion comprises a resilient part and other two parts, the resilient part is disposed between other two parts of the positioning portion and has its two ends attached to other two parts of the positioning portion respectively. 